Bless Their Little Hearts

Director Billy Woodberry teamed with friend and fellow UCLA filmmaker Charles Burnett to create BLESS THEIR LITTLE HEARTS, one of seminal masterpieces from the “L.A. Rebellion” movement. Milestone is honored to be able to present the UCLA Film and Television Archive’s glowing restoration of this haunting and powerful film.

Charlie Banks is looking for work… searching for it every day. But there are no jobs and unemployment is taking a toll on him and his family. His wife, Andais is worn out working and taking of their young children. So Charlie takes day jobs whenever he can, cutting weeds and painting houses. At night, he falls asleep in the bathtub.

When Charlie reconnects with a lady friend, Andais notices that he is not bringing home all the money from his day labor. Confronting him, she tells her husband she has been working like a dog while everyone has been laughing at her. “I can’t make people give me a job,” he screams back at her, “I try everyday.” “Don’t try, do it, do it!” Andais wails, “I’m tired, tired, tired. Start trying to be a man.”

Later, seeing his daughter’s arm in a cast, Charlie weeps, telling her he is sorry he isn’t “able to let you live in a better neighborhood.” As he sobs, Andais tries to comfort him.

Charlie and his friends go fishing and try hawking their catch on the side of the road. While his pals wave down motorists, Charlie just walks away.